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The Kenyan government have been partnering with UNDP and European Union on fisheries
development in the country. This is because fish and fishery products are still heavily traded
commodities in the region. In Meru region particularly central imenti constituency, the people
have been farming fish for decades not only for sale but for food. The climatic conditions are
also suitable for different fish species that can be commercially used. The availability of water
from various sources has also provided many fish farmers with the opportunity of fish farming.
The introduction of ESP- fisheries development component in central Imenti constituency was
seen by many as a golden opportunity for fish farmers who were to benefit fully from this
government initiative aimed at providing employment opportunity to the youth. The project also
guaranteed sustainability in the long run by funding construction of fish ponds at a cost of
25,000/= for each farmer and supply of fingerlings and fish feed for a period of 7 months that
costed 15,000/=. This project was to be supervised by extension officers from the ministry of
fisheries development and follow up made to ensure sustainability. On the other hand, the
government have also been partnering with European Union and UNDP in fisheries development
by funding other programs in the country.
The timing however of these projects also came at a time when the Ameru people had not fully
adopted fish farming in the region. The infrastructure of managing projects of such magnitude
needed to be put in place. This included marketing systems, road infrastructure, project staff, and
environmental impact assessment. It is apparent in this study that implementation of these
fisheries funded projects have faced challenges which the government need to urgently address
in order to achieve economic growth.
Lack of knowledge on fish farming among the farmers in the region has hampered growth of
aquaculture in the region and the government needs to enhance its operations to ensure efficiency
in enforcement and effective implementation of its policies.